OTAKEHO.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXII, Issue LXXII, 11 July 1917, Page 4

OTAKEHO.

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

SEND-OFF SOCIAL. There was a big representative gathering in the local hall on Wednesday evening to bid farewell to Mr.and Mrs W. H. Reynolds and to Mr Jas. Kearns. The early portion of th.c evening was devoted to musical items interspersed with dancing, and songs were contributed by Mrs Berry, Miss Wills, and Messrs McDonald (2), Mackie (3), and Mr C. ! Burke. Mr W. H. Le Fleming, chair- ! man. in speaking of the guests of the evening, said they were all indeed sorry to bid farewell to Mr and Mrs Reynolds and Mr Kearns, the latter was one of , the old identities of the district. He ' had known Mr Kearns for the past 35 ' years, and a more honest, upright and industrious settler and hospitable neigh- ; bor it was impossible to meet or wish ! for. They (and he spoke also of his I late brothei-, Hugh Kearns) were the ! real pioneers. At first they became road contractors and metalled many miles of road arouria the district. Later they took up the present home on ithe Taikatu road, and by sheer energy I carved a fine home out of the primeval , forest; Mr and Mrs Reynolds also they were sorry to lose. Mr Reynolds had ! come to be recognised as one of the ■ fixed institutions of the place by rea- j son of his carrying business. He had always been more than obliging and had earned the highest esteem and respect of his fellowmen. Mr Reynolds is going farming near Mangatoki, and I it is hoped that the change will improve his health, and all wish him and his wife and family the prosperity they ' deserve. * I Mr E. Wills also spoke of the long years of friendship of all the guests, ' and in a most interesting manner re- I cited some of the difficulties and hardships of the earlier days. Mr Wills presented Mr Jas. Kearns with a hand- ' some case of Loewe pipes and Mr and Mrs Reynolds with a travelling rug and wished them all the happiness and prosperity they so richly deserved. Mr Kearns and Mr Jteynolds both feelingly replied thanking the gathering for their wishes and present. After supper dancing was resumed, and several enjoyable hours were spent to the excellent music supplied by Mr Pickering. x ' •